Rams Report: Key Positions Lacking Consistency

The St. Louis Rams are searching for their first winning season since 2003. To do that, the Rams will need to make sure to get their most inconsistent players back on track or find an alternative. Here’s a look at the players who will be under the microscope the most:

QB Sam Bradford » It all starts with the quarterback. Sam the Ram can be hailed for his heroics in big-game moments and just as much be criticized for his ineffectiveness. Bradford has been as inconsistent since getting to St. Louis as his offensive coordinators have been (three coordinators in three years). It isn't completely his fault. The offensive line has been shoddy, his receivers are average on a good day and, until last year, there was not much defense to create opportunities. That’s why Bradford will be under the microscope, and possibly the hot seat, this year.

S Craig Dahl » No surprise here. It will be a lesser surprise if Dahl is checking out the action from the sidelines in 2013. The Rams put a lot of pieces together to get a defense that ranked in the top half of the NFL last year and they are trending upwards. Dahl needs to be replaced. He picked off just one pass and swatted two all year. Combined with his 56 tackles, it is fairly obvious Dahl isn't a play-making safety. Look for Dahl to see a significant reduction in playing time in favor of an outside hire.

OL Rodger Saffold » He could be the only true offensive line starter for the Rams, but it's his injury history that lands him on this list. Saffold’s rookie season in 2010 showed periods of great ability, and some not so good ability. Since then, Saffold has failed to make the big strides. He hasn’t been healthy for a full season since 2010. The offensive line will go under construction in the offseason, but Saffold will be a key foundation to it and he will need to play like it.